Irrigation project update

 We are now nearing the completion of the new irrigation system project on the Balcomie course, with just testing and training to complete this week then signing off the project at the end of the week, all has went really well and on schedule and the irrigation company Ocmis have done a fantastic job

 Testing all sprinkler arcs, nozzles and rotations etc

 We will now be able to use an app on our phones to switch on sprinklers and access irrigation computer programs etc

 Other tasks have been to edge/weed and top- up tee paths on the Balcomie course

 We have built another in-house recycling bin for the 2nd tees on the Balcomie course, this has been an ideal project due to the adverse weather we have been having

 We have made separate compartments for the different types of rubbish

 New tee signage for the Craighead course to help direct visitors

 The start of February I held an irrigation presentation of what has all been happening with the new irrigation project to give our members as much communication as possible, then Our Assistant Pro David gave a presentation on junior golf and development for the future, we had over 50 member attend

 Our main winter project is slowly coming on though behind due to the adverse weather but the staff have been doing a great job. The 7th tee project on the Balcomie course consists of widening the tee path and building a Railway sleeper wall alongside the tees and re-leveling and turfing the tees, then a recess for a bench and recycling bin and steps to enter the teeing ground

 Cementing in the Railway sleeper wall

 The railway sleepers have had 2 coats of paint before back-filling the soil and setting the sprinkler

 Bin and bench area

 New step area

After all the Railway sleeper work is completed we will re-level both tees and re-turf for going into the season, all the old turf from the tees was reused to rebuild bunkers through out the winter months

 Frosty Friday morning, we have been pretty lucky this winter with very little frost so far

 The Balcomie course irrigation project has went really well, with all the pipework, sprinklers and boxes etc all installed to schedule

 The last hole being completed at 16th/17th, all it's left to do is staff training, selecting nozzles, testing, small surface repair works, setting up the control panels and computer over the next couple of weeks. completion date is the 27th February 

 All the tees have been solid tined to a depth of 150mm to help allow air into the profile

 Last week we have been carrying out filming of the Greenkeeping department, this is to give more information to our members/visitors of what goes on behind the scenes of running this department

 The old building next to the car park that stored the 5000 litre tank for the Clubhouse heating system was knocked down and the whole area leveled off and replaced with chips to fit in with the rest of the car park areas

 Most of the bricks were re-used to level this area off and be used for a good solid base

Material laid under the chips to stop weeds invading, this area is now perfect for a couple of benches to be placed for members/visitors to sit and look at the views